What does Article 1, Section 9 prohibit Congress from doing?

Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution specifically restricts Congress from withdrawing money from the treasury unless it has been appropriated through a law passed by Congress. This provision ensures that government spending is controlled and transparent, as it requires legislative approval for any expenditure of public funds. This principle is fundamental to maintaining checks and balances within the government, preventing misuse of funds without accountability to the electorate.

The other options presented do not align with the specific prohibitions outlined in Article 1, Section 9. Thus, focusing on the requirement for congressional appropriation reinforces the transparency and fiscal responsibility that the framers intended to safeguard in the Constitution.